Metgod admits Portsmouth move was whirlwind

The former Nottingham Forest and Tottenham star told Pompey's website: "Things went so quickly that I didn't really have time to think about the impact it would have on my life.

"I got a call on a Friday when I was scouting in Europe and after returning from there, flew into England on the Monday to speak with Tony (Adams).

"Only when I went back to Holland for two days did it suddenly hit me that I was going to be based in England.

"I had to go back to sort out my contract with Feyenoord and that was no problem because they were all proud that someone from the club was going to work in the Premier League.

"My son was moving into his new house on the Friday and we always thought that he was going to be the first one to move out. But as things turned out it was me that moved out two days before him, so that was a great surprise to everyone. Pompey's like a real family club with everyone trying to help you and from the moment I came in, I felt like I'd been here for years.

"It was already a dream to come here but after just a few days it is now a dream come true and I am very happy."

Though Metgod had spent two years of a 14-year coaching career at Feyenoord, he had spent the last 12 months as a scout.

Despite enjoying his new role, he never once believed that his coaching days were over.

He said: "I have been able to go back on the pitch again and I always thought that I would get back on the coaching side.

"It is an opportunity for me to work in the Premier League and also to work with a man like Tony Adams. Some people in Holland think that Portsmouth are not a big club and compared to Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea that may be the case.

"But you only find out when you are working here what a really big club this is. It is not only the squad but the whole place."